The Senior Bowl wrapped up last week, the NFL Combine is fast approaching, and the NFL Draft is only a couple of months away. With draft buzz already heating up, this class will be a crucial one for Omar Khan and company as they look to strengthen the roster for both immediate success and long-term sustainability.
In this five-round mock draft, the board couldn't have fallen more perfectly for the Steelers, addressing every key need while landing top-tier talent.
The Steelers are in dire need of help at wide receiver after last season’s debacle at the position. Expect this to be a major focus in free agency and early in the NFL Draft—potentially the top priority if George Pickens isn’t on the roster by draft day.
With that in mind, the Steelers select Matthew Golden, one of the premier WR prospects in this year’s class out of Texas. Golden’s versatility allows him to line up anywhere on the field, and he’s poised to be a day-one playmaker, regardless of who’s under center.
The Steelers trade back, sending their 52nd and 122nd picks to the Commanders in exchange for Washington’s second-round pick and an additional third-round selection. With their new second-round pick, Pittsburgh bolsters its defensive line by selecting T.J. Sanders from South Carolina.
After an impressive Senior Bowl performance, Sanders emerges as a strong addition to a unit in need of youth and depth. This move also allows the Steelers to shift Keeanu Benton to defensive end, addressing a key need in their defensive front.
Cornerback remains a key position of need for the Steelers, especially with Donte Jackson likely to test free agency and land elsewhere. This creates a significant void opposite Joey Porter Jr., making it a priority for the team to add a veteran starting corner. While the Steelers are high on Cory Trice Jr. and view him as a potential starter, his injury history raises concerns, and the unit desperately needs depth.
Enter Zy Alexander from LSU—a cornerback who fits the Steelers' ideal profile. With the size, length, and ball skills they covet, Alexander’s background as a former wide receiver gives him a natural playmaking ability that could bolster the secondary.
The Steelers take a big swing at quarterback, selecting Will Howard out of Ohio State, fresh off leading his team to a national championship. While many expected Howard to go earlier in the second round, he surprisingly fell into Pittsburgh’s lap in the third.
With the Steelers’ quarterback situation still uncertain—whether it’s Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or another option yet to be signed—the team is once again tasked with rebuilding its QB room. Howard has the potential to be a strong backup but also possesses the upside to develop into their long-term starter. Pittsburgh knows it must explore every possible option under center, and drafting Howard is another step in that process.
With Najee Harris likely departing in free agency, the Steelers will be in the market for a complementary running back behind Jaylen Warren. Fortunately, this year’s draft class is deep at the position, and they could find great value in the fifth round with Devin Neal.
The well-rounded RB brings versatility, elusiveness, and the speed to be a dynamic playmaker in Pittsburgh’s offense. Neal also impressed at the Senior Bowl, boosting his stock significantly. While he could be taken well before the fifth round, if he slips to Day 3, the Steelers would be wise to snatch him up.